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Protective hairstyles are a great way to give your relaxed hair a break from the elements and encourage growth. If you're looking for the best one, you're in luck, as they are actually multiple styles that can work well (and look super cute). This article has a breakdown of some of the best protective hairstyles and how to achieve them at home. Though nearly all of them can be easily styled by yourself, it might be best to consult a stylist before a few of them if you're new to braiding, hairstyling, or have questions about the process.

2

Goddess Braid

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  1. First, part your hair and separate it into 2 sections. Then, braid 1 section. As you braid, guide the braid so that it wraps around the back of your head and secure the end with a hair tie. [4] Repeat the process on the opposite side. Then, take 1 of the braids and wrap it around the back of your head to meet the beginning of the opposite braid. Pin it in place with a hairpin. Then, wrap the remaining braid to meet the top of the opposite braid. (the one that's already pinned). Secure it in place with a hairpin. [5]
    • The finished hairstyle should look like a braided updo.
3

Mini Twists

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  1. First, section your hair into 4 parts and secure each one using hair clips. As you section your hair, add a moisturizing hair product like cocoa butter cream to keep your hair hydrated in the twists. [6] Next, start twisting by separating 1 section into 2 separate strands and twisting each strand over and under the other. Secure your hair at the end of the twist with a hair tie. [7] Repeat the process for each section.
    • If you're twisting your hair while your hair is still wet, wrap your hair in a scarf when you're done securing all of the twists. This will help your hair dry.
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4

Bantu Knots

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  1. It's a stylish protective style on its own and can also be used to give your hair cute curls once you take the knots out. First, comb your hair so that it's free of tangles. Then, take a section of your hair (try a small section if you want many small knots or a larger section if you want a few big ones) and twist it. As you twist, wrap it in a circle and hold it against your scalp. Tuck the ends of your hair in the knot and secure it in place with a hairpin. Repeat the process until all of your hair is in knots. [8]
    • To keep your hair hydrated, add some hair moisturizer or hair oil to each section before you twist it in the knot. You might try products containing jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. [9]
    • Take out your knots to achieve beautiful, tight curls. Simply twist your knots in the opposite direction that they were rolled in and unravel the curl with your fingers. [10]
    • Leave in your Bantu knots for up to 2 weeks.
7

Long Ponytail

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  1. All you need are some hair extensions. These will protect your hair under the extensions and allow it some space to grow and stay safe from the elements. Pick up your hair extensions at a local beauty supply store or online. Then, tie your natural hair into a low bun. Next, secure your extensions around the bun with the rubber band at the top of the extensions. [13] Pin the extensions on top of the bun so that your hair isn't visible under the extensions. [14]
    • To add some volume to your ponytail, use 2 sets of extensions.
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9

Halo Braid

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  1. It's another look that will keep your hair protected under styled hair extensions. Pick up the extensions of your choice at a local beauty supply store or online. [16] Then, tie your natural hair in a bun and secure the extensions in place using the rubber bands at the top. After that, separate the extension into 2 equal sections and twist both. [17] Take 1 twist and bring it across the top of your head like a crown or a halo. Pin it in place with a hairpin.
    • Leave the second twist down or wrap it around your natural hair and secure it in the bun. You can even make a double halo by taking the second twist and pinning it atop your head as well.
    • Add hair jewelry to spruce up your look and make it even more red-carpet-ready. [18]
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10

Box Braids

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  1. To style your hair in box braids, divide your hair into squared-off sections. Then, braid in hair extensions along with your natural hair in each section. Go for knotless box braids if you have a sensitive scalp, as these are not braided as close to your scalp and can help ease any tension. Make an appointment to achieve the style at a salon if you're new to braiding and hairstyling. If you're more experienced, you can totally achieve the look at home. [19]
    • To do box braids at home, you'll need 6-8 packs of hair extensions to achieve the glorious long braids of your dreams. Buy these at a local beauty supply store.
    • Avoid keeping your braids in longer than 2 months. Give your hair a break with a different style after that time. [20]
11

Faux Locs

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  1. Try them out if you've always loved the look of dreadlocks but aren't sure you want to stick with the style. To achieve the look, attach hair extensions to your natural hair while it's in braids or cornrows. Since getting faux locs is a pretty involved process, consult a stylist and make an appointment if you're new to styling and braiding on your own. [21] If you're more experienced, do faux locs at home.
    • Like box braids, faux locs help protect your hair while it grows underneath your extensions.
    • Keep your locs for up to 6-8 weeks.
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Expert Q&A

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  • Question
    What should I do if my braids hurt?
    Shun Pittman
    Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
    Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
    Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
    Expert Answer
    Braids should never hurt. This is actually a myth, your braids should be painless. If your hair is hurting you, go back to whoever put the braids in and let them know you're in pain. They should be able to fix them so they don't hurt anymore.
  • Question
    How can I keep my hair healthy while I'm styling it?
    Shun Pittman
    Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
    Shun Pittman is a Master Cosmetologist, Author, Owner, and Founder of Corps d’Elite Salon and Corps d’Elite Beauty. With over 25 years of international experience, she is dedicated to and specializes in providing luxury salon services to all hair types and textures and every skin tone and shade. Her services include hair conditioning treatments, cutting, coloring, styling, extensions, and makeup application. Shun has experience working with, coaching, training, and mentoring beauty professionals from multiple companies including L'Oréal, Wella, Matrix, Paul Mitchell, Redken, Big Sexy Hair, and Toni & Guy. She is also a host for national and local media outlets and her work has been featured in The Washingtonian, The Cheddar Network, and WJLA Good Morning Washington's Beauty and Fashion Police segments. Shun is the author of “50 Things Your Hairdresser Wants YOU to Know (and a few things we don’t...)".
    Master Cosmetologist, Global Salon Educator & Author
    Expert Answer
    Minimize the amount of friction your hair is exposed to and always use a heat protectant if you're going to use any thermal products or tools.
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      Tips

      • Remember to take care of your hair in the protective style. [23] Keep your hair hydrated by using moisturizing products that contain jojoba oil, olive oil, or coconut oil. Apply the hair oil twice a week by massaging your scalp with the oil for 3 minutes. [24]
      • To keep your hair hydrated at night, sleep with your hair in a silk scarf or bonnet every night. [25]
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